The Machinery sector is an important part of the Engineering Industry. Machinery consists of an assembly of components, at least one of which moves, joined together for a specific application. The drive system of machinery is powered by energy other than human or animal effort.

EU Machinery Legislation

One of the main legislations governing the harmonisation of essential health and safety requirements for machinery at EU level is the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC

The Directive:

Promotes the free movement of machinery within the Single Market

Guarantees a high level of protection for EU workers and citizens

Does your machine comply with the CE marking?

CE marking is the responsibility of the person who places the product on the market, or puts it into service, for the first time. In law this duty rests with the Responsible Person, which in most cases is either the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorised (in writing) representative, but can also include those who import non CE marked products into Europe, any user in Europe who makes a product for their own use, and those who modify existing products already in use to such an extent they must be considered “new” products.

What does the CE mark mean?

By affixing the CE mark the Responsible Person takes on responsibility for the conformity of the product. CE marking is a visible sign that the product complies with all relevant product supply law, and its presence together with the Declaration of Conformity gives the product to which it is affixed presumption of conformity with relevant product safety Directives. CE marked products are entitled to free movement throughout the European market (EU and EEA). However, the CE mark is not a quality mark, nor a guarantee that the product meets all of the requirements of relevant EU product safety law. Suppliers who install work equipment and users should make reasonable checks of any new products looking for obvious defects. Also the suppliers should ensure that there are User Instructions and that these and warning decals are in English if for the UK market. Where the instructions are not in English the supplier must provide a translation in to English and supply this together with the original instructions. In most cases the Declaration of Conformity must be supplied to the end customer (note: electrical equipment does not have to be accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity).

What is the CE marking process?

CE marking is the final stage of the conformity assessment process as specified in the relevant Directive for the product. The conformity assessment process (sometimes referred to as the CE marking process) is concerned with: assessing the risks presented by a product throughout its lifecycle meeting safety objectives by design and construction taking account of the current best practice to ensure the safety for that product, known as the state of the art in some cases the supply Directive will require the use of third parties who have been notified by an EU member state to the EU Commission (usually referred to as “Notified Bodies”) to verify compliance collecting and retaining information about the design, testing and construction process and the means by which the product complies with the essential requirements of all relevant product safety Directives in a technical file which in most cases must be kept for at least 10 years after the last product of the product line has been produced declaring the product’s conformity with all relevant product safety law by means of a document (the Declaration of Conformity), which in most cases must accompany the product down the supply chain to the end user and the preparation and provision of comprehensive product User Instructions, in the language of the end user.

Industrial Electrical Services

Factory Plant Associates Ltd can carry out the work on all phases of electrical wiring, from mains supply right through to electrical cabinets, PLC, switchgear and even down to fitting light guards, stop switches or door lockouts.

When the job gets too large or turns into a detailed project, we have vetted companies that work alongside our management team and work force, ensuring an amalgamated one stop shop with a core focus on communication and in return enabling a smooth workflow throughout the operation.

If your wondering why we have added information about the CE marking above, its to ensure that when any work is carried out both on electrical and mechanical modifications, you are fully aware of your responsibilities.

For example, if you have a machine that you require to fit a conveyor system to work alongside and you fit a stop switch, maybe safety fencing, then that machine has been modified, even if all the individual parts are CE marked, the whole operation or ‘process line’ will need to be CE marked.

As it states above “puts it into service, for the first time” modification means the same, it is not a Grey area, but it is commonly overlooked.

We are happy to guide you in the right direction if you have any doubt.

FPA can provide mechanical services to an array of different aspects; from the basic machinery connections between hydraulic, pneumatic and water, to stripping down gearbox’s, decommissioning and disconnecting complex automated production lines. other pages on our website describe these skills in more detail.

FPA can fabricate or modify steel work tailored to your requirements we can do this work ‘on the job’ whilst on site, bring it back to our workshop or fabricate from design. Of course we are not a fabricating company nor specialise in this field, but as a hands on Company, we have the skilled labour from our mechanical guys to offer you support if required.

We can also add to our portfolio the ability to work within the additional interfaces that require pipework, ducting, compressed air, extraction heating and ventilation.

……..and just like our electrical support, when the job gets too large or turns into a detailed project, we have vetted companies that work alongside our management team and work force, ensuring an amalgamated one stop shop with a core focus on communication and in return enabling a smooth workflow throughout the operation.

Our Mechanical Engineers competency levels are to include:

Effective technical skills

The ability to work under pressure

Problem-solving skills

Creativity

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Commercial awareness

Team working skills

July 2019 update: An additional note to our business : we are training one of our staff to be a Certified PUWER Assessor CPA™ this then allows you to ensure when we move your machinery it is within the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

We will always advance our business to support your needs.

Looking to discuss your requirements?

Call us on 0121 544 4774 or simply click ‘Get in Touch’ to use our online form!

Factory Plant Associates -FPA

We specialise in industrial machinery removal and installation, our current team has over 100 years experience in managing a wide range of challenging projects and we are qualified in all aspects of the lifting industry from Project Manager right through to slinger/banksman.